BURKE, Lloyd Leroy
Passed away peacefully into the arms of his Lord in Trenton, ON at the age of 94 with his family by his side on Monday, November 20, 2023. Born in Killaloe, ON June 19, 1929 to Charles and Martha Burke. Predeceased by sister, Evelyn, and brother, Elmer. Younger brother to Bernice Draves (Nelson predeceased) of Pembroke, ON. Loving and devoted husband of over 68 years to his beautiful bride, Daryl (Anne) of North Bay, ON (currently Belleville). Amazing and loving father to Erin Prinzen (Derk) of Picton, ON, Adriane Blackwell (Andrew) of Exmoor, NB, and Derek Burke (Yvonne) of North Bay, ON. Proud and fun Grampa/Papa to Timothy Prinzen, Zacc Burke (Winnie), Brianna Overgaauw (Sam), Emma McQuarrie (Luke), Jacob Burke, and Geoffrey Blackwell. Proud Great Grampa to Ezra and Levi Burke and Rosie McQuarrie.
Anytime Dad was asked what he was most proud of, he always had two answers: his family and his military service. He was a proud veteran with 30 years of service in the Canadian Armed Forces, earning the rank of Master Warrant Officer, followed by another 14 years as a civilian. He joined the military on January 17, 1949 at the age of 19. Interestingly enough, he completed his basic training in Trenton, ON, the same place where he would end his life’s journey over 74 years later. His military travels took him on quite the journey. Goose Bay, Labrador; St. Hubert, QC; Greenwood, NS; Summerside, PEI; Foymount, ON; Winnipeg, MB; Lac St. Denis, QC; Paris, France; Senneterre, QC; Ramstein, Germany; North Bay, ON; finally finishing out his years of service as a console operator on the DEW Line in northern Canada.
Over the years, Dad loved ice fishing, moose hunting, and deer hunting. He was an avid Toronto Maple Leafs and Blue Jays fan. He loved his budgies, training them to talk and perform tricks to Mom’s delight. In retirement, he loved shovelling neighbourhood driveways and snowblowing walkways for others. Right up until his fall this past February, Dad faithfully shovelled out the public mailboxes on Lawson Street for all those picking up their daily mail. And Dad loved to walk, cheerfully greeting everyone he met along the way. That was Dad. Always smiling and cracking jokes. Oh, how profoundly we will miss his laugh. Mom will desperately miss the love of her life, her beloved hubby, who she lovingly called “The Handsome One”. Their love is such a beautiful story. They taught the rest of us how to love unconditionally and with abandon.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Steele Funeral Home, Moira Street Chapel, 30 Moira Street West in Belleville. Visitation to take place Saturday, November 25, 2023 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm with service to follow. As per Dad and Mom’s wishes, cremation to take place Monday, November 27, 2023. Memorial service to be held at Lakeshore Evangelical Missionary Church, 656 Lakeshore Drive in North Bay on Saturday, December 2, 2023. Visitation from 12:00 to 2:00 pm with service and reception to follow. Spring interment at the family plot in Pembroke, ON.
Special thanks to the incredible NBRHC staff in CCU, D3, and A1 units that so graciously walked with Dad for 249 days, as well as to the caring staff at Hastings Manor and BGH in Belleville and TMH in Trenton that walked with Dad in his final days. Thanks, too, to our dear family and friends that have supported us every step of this journey. We are forever grateful.
If Desired, Memorial Donations to North Bay Regional Health Centre Foundation would be appreciated by the family.
Please contact Rick at Steele Funeral Home if there are any questions.